The Lincoln Electric Co., a subsidiary of Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc., announced today the promotion of Douglas Lance to president, Cleveland Operations; Edward Crouse to vice president, Cleveland Operations; and Dalithia Smith to vice president, human resources. All positions are effective immediately.
“We value the extensive experience Doug, Ed and Dalithia bring to the organization,” said George Blankenship, executive vice president and president, Americas Welding. “Each is a strong asset and a well-respected leader with a track record of solid results and innovation in their respective areas. I am looking forward to working with them in their new roles to achieve our ‘2020 Vision and Strategy.’”
As senior vice president and president, Cleveland Operations, Lance will be responsible for Lincoln Electric’s Cleveland, Ohio and Torreon, Mexico, operations, product development and management, and supply chain activities. He will report to George Blankenship, executive vice president and president, Americas Welding. Lance joined Lincoln Electric in 1990 as an engineering trainee and has served in a number of engineering and management roles with increasing responsibility. Most recently, he served as senior vice president, North American Operations. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Toledo and has completed the Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management program, as well as an International Business Development program at Thunderbird School of Global Management.
Crouse will assume the role of vice president of Cleveland Operations and will oversee manufacturing and operational support activities across the company’s Northeast Ohio facilities. Crouse joined Lincoln Electric in 1986 as an engineering trainee and has held numerous positions in R&D, manufacturing and production planning during more than his 30 years with the company. Most recently, he served as general manager, Consumables. Crouse holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Rensselear Polytechnic Institute and a Master of Business Administration from Cleveland State University.
As vice president of human resources, Smith will be responsible for overseeing human resource functions across the Americas Welding segment. Smith joined Lincoln Electric in 2007 as director, recruiting and talent and most recently served as director, North America Human Resources. Smith earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing from Ohio University and a Master of Business Administration from Cleveland State University.
